12/26/12

Monsignor Robert Weiss is the pastor of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Newtown, CT where, in the past week, nine funerals for children were prayerfully, tearfully celebrated by a faithful community. (H/T to Deacon Greg at the Bench.)

Dear Parishioners,

Had I written my Christmas message a couple of weeks ago as I had
planned, it would have had a far different tone than this message. We
have not only witnessed one of the greatest tragedies in the world, but
we as a community are called to do what we can to move forward.

I have been asked so often how do we celebrate Christmas this year. I
believe that we celebrate it in its truest sense, putting aside all the
secularity and simply sitting in silence and praying that the hope,
healing and peace promised to us by Christ will be given to us in
abundance. Perhaps, at least for us as a community, we can reclaim some
of what this holyday is meant to be.

We know that some hearts in this town will be broken again on
Christmas morning when that one special person is not there to open
their gifts. For those whose children and spouses are with them, rather
than just going right for the gifts, perhaps a hug and a prayer should
come first. Prayers for those for whom this day will never be the same
again and hugs for those surrounding you whose life you hold
as precious. We need to know that even in these darkest hours, there is
still light, light that is brighter than that great star over Bethlehem,
which will take us to the place where we need to be…it will take us to
the heart of Christ who will heal our brokenness, remove our anger and
hurt and fill us with the peace and strength we need to not just move
forward but to reclaim the life that is ours as a community in Christ
Jesus. Thank you for the incredible strength that you have been for me
in these days and for lifting me up in your thoughts and your prayers. I
pray a special Christmas for all of us this year and for all that this
holy season can hold for us as believers.

Are you thinking about becoming a Catholic?

The best place to start is always one of your local Catholic churches. Drop in some Sunday and see what's going on. Then you might speak to the pastor or someone on the parish staff about how they can help you and respond to your questions.